Sonia Sotomayor takes her case to the US Senate

July 7, 10:22 AMHouston Law and Politics ExaminerDustin Sachs

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AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File

In a few short days, Sonia Sotomayor will sit in a small wooden chair, in front of a large wooden desk, and interview for the BIGGEST job of her life. On the other side of the desk, will be a group of United States Senators. These Senators, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will be the first stop for Judge Sotomayor on her quest to be appointed the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

On Monday, July 13, 2009, the US Senate will being hearings to decide whether Judge Sotomayor is the right person to fill the seat recently vacated by Associate Justice David Souter's retirement.

In the upcoming days, I will be focusing on this historic event by profiling Judge Sotomayor, as well as key members on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Senator Jon Cornyn, of Texas. We will address an analyze the key issues likely to be discussed in next week’s hearings. Once the hearings begin, I will provide daily updates on the issues discussed and the nominee’s responses to questions.

Profile on Sonia Sotomayor

Born: June 25, 1954; New York, N.Y.

Education: Bachelor's degree, Princeton University, 1976; law degree, Yale Law School, 1979.

Experience: assistant district attorney, New York County, 1979-84; private practice, New York City, 1984-92; judge, US District Court, Southern District of New York, 1992-98; judge, US Court of Appeals for Second Circuit, 1998-present.

Quote: "I chose to be a lawyer, and ultimately a judge, because I find endless challenge in the complexities of the law. I firmly believe in the rule of law as the foundation for all of our basic rights."

Major cases

Racial preferences: In 2008, Sotomayor joined a three-judge panel that sided with the city of New Haven after the city was sued by a group of white firefighters. The plaintiffs claimed they had been unfairly denied promotions despite top scores on an exam. This case was a recent hot button issue, thanks to the ruling by the Supreme Court (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO)

Environment: In 2007, Sotomayor ruled against a power plant, favoring a strict interpretation of Clean Water Act.

Second Amendment: In 2009, she joined a three-judge panel in ruling that the Second Amendment did not protect the right to own nunchucks, a martial arts weapon.

Foreign rulings: In a dissenting opinion to a 2000 case revolving around a child welfare treaty, Sotomayor argued that US courts should take into account judicial decisions in foreign countries that were also party to the same treaty.

Labor rights: Sotomayor ended the Major League Baseball strike when she sided with players against owners in March 1995. The ruling preserved free agency and ended a 232-day work stoppage that had canceled the 1994 World Series.

I ask each of my readers to post comments as to what issues are important to you.

What topics should Senators address when “interviewing” Judge Sotomayor?